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Plot Information for Dhemlan Terreille

The Queen is dead, and her Steward rules with the support of Parliament over the objections of Dhemlan’s darkest – and secretly twisted -- Queen. What hope the impoverished, starving territory has rests in young, foreign Queens they will never permit to rule. Queens whose mere presence might one day soon bring war to the beleaguered land.

(meant to be a correspondence thread for the two ladies. I will work the code to make it look all letter-like later)

My dearest Kesare, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. It seems ages since your last visit and yet I know it has only been a few short months. It's hard to believe the days have lengthened and turned hot and in a few short weeks, the cool chill of the approaching autumn will begin to shorten the days.Here we are in preparations for the beginning of a new scholastic year, and I have been busy vetting all the applicants and sending requests to instructors. The usual issues that occur every year with some of the more entitled aristo families believing that their names and titles awarded their families instant admittance to the Academy.

Every year it seems I am fighting against a tide of privilege and more and more witches and boyos who are equally if not more talented are loosing out on the opportunities of our institution. Yet tradition demands I only allow thirteen to join each class. Sometimes tradition seems to be holding back the rise of our people by holding to the past. I know, this must seem a strange thing for one of my position to discuss but I know I am free to be open with my thoughts with you.

So tell me about Pruul? I eagerly await your report on the people, the culture, the land. Have you seen one of the famous sandworms yet? How is your young ward, the little boy you were healing with the exquisitely handsome father? And your other wards, those children of the mines. I hope the Warlord Prince you spoke of has made his recovery, I have no doubts as to the power of your skills in that respect but it sounded in your discussions that there was more at stake then just his chalice.

It was with great delight and surprise that I found your letter hidden amongst my correspondence. I have thought of you often, in these last few weeks. How have you fared? Is your Academy safe? Have you found any new books?

I have much to tell you, of my continuing search for the Darkness. Your demonstration of Communion is often on my mind. I must confess, that I find it difficult, now, to approach a stranger for such a gift. And harder still, to calm my mind in a public Temple or Shrine. I fear I shall no more be a classical Priestess than I am a traditional Healer or Black-Widow. Gideon - Prince Cinnerus - says that I am not truly training to be a Priestess; not the way one might train a witch into the Caste. Instead, I am training to become a Healer Black-Widow Priestess, a singular, focused Caste of its own, if you will.

Kurush, the young boy I was healing, is doing well. His very handsome father has left my service to follow his heart; he has asked a young lady to marry him. In addition, he has petitioned the Tabur Queen and the Sayyadina on behalf of his son. Whereas in Dhemlan, we seek those who have the desire to learn a Caste, regardless of gender, in Pruul it is greatly frowned upon for a male to seek such high standing. It saddens me, to see any keen mind or ardent soul thwarted, even for the sake of tradition. But then I have an ardent, seeking soul myself, not readily confined to the neat distinctions of Caste and purpose the Blood are so fond of.

I have thought upon your dilemma, Mena, in being asked to turn away worthy students who cannot pay their tuition, while the wealthy and privileged insist upon preferential treatment. While I understand that Traditionally the Territory Court supports one, single class of 13 in such luxury and with such opportunities as I cannot match, still I have an idea. I am wiling to seek funding for and provide specialty instruction for a Fuentes Scholarship class of 13. You may put my three boarding students within it, and reserve a spot for Kurush, incase his father's petition is denied. If we assign one place each for a Hidalgo chosen student, and a Conquistador, you may then fill the other 7 places as you will. I hope that this eases your burden somewhat. I should have realized that with so many Aristo families destroyed altogether, and so many others in the hands of those not trained or raised to the position, that the Academy was not receiving the support it ought to have. I may speak with the Conquistadors, and Hidalgos; it seems to me it would not be unreasonable to offer entire specialty classes of 13 to each of these organizations. If that is too many Warlord-Princes for the sanity of the headmaster, we could open a branch here. I am building a new Lighthouse, and I could easily change the mid-level plans to house such students. As the Conquistadors requested a barracks area within the Lighthouse already, there will be plenty of older Warlord-Princes to handle the younger students.

I have made inquiries upon my estates, and I can provide teachers for Warlord-Prince, Prince, Healer and Black-Widow training. Queen Caste training I cannot provide, much to my sorrow, though my Steward and Council are happy to offer tutoring, should you have a Queen humble enough to learn of rulership, politics and diplomacy from them. I have enclosed my schedule while I am here; there are several openings wherein I could offer a seminar, tutor a talented student, or even bring those with me upon my errands, that they might better understand the burden of rulership.

In addition are a few evenings I have free to spend with you, if your schedule permits. I am happy to tell you of Pruul, and let you sample some of their unique wines. The sandstorms are impressive, towering as tall as a mountain, and sweeping away all in its path. Much like the Purge, you must take shelter and then surrender to its fury. Fighting it is fatal. I have not, as of yet, seen a Sandworm and I hope never to do so. One of my charges, however, very much admires the beasts. So I suspect I shall not be able to avoid them forever.

You can always count upon my support of the Academy. Priestess training I leave in your excellent hands, although I have found a few more rare volumes on the subject. I have made copies for my own library, but feel the true texts are better protected within your hallowed halls.

I have missed your calm presence, during my work in Pruul.

I must thank you again for the insights you offered me on imprisonment, developmental disorders, and growing up with prophecy, as well as the excellent texts you found on children in general. The Mineborn, it seems, cannot be understood or Healed without accepting the role of the Darkness in shaping them. Let us hope Mother Night shelters them after they fulfill her commands. I think on Witch, and the Purge, whenever I work with them. Let us hope we can shape their hearts to a better end.

I have been missing word from you, and the distance and travel time between us now is even more without Winds to send messages quickly. In these many weeks we have been preparing for the mid term examinations before the students are allowed to return home for their family Winsol celebrations. I am pleased to say that this years class is showing a great deal of promise. They will be a wonderful edition to the courts they join in the coming year.

The Academy is as it always has been, which a blessing as you know in our long lives. I received a lovely copy of Antonio DeLopez’s anthology of poetry as a Winsol gift from some of the staff. First edition and signed as well. Considering the man died during the Great Wars, I am very flattered. It must have been an expensive and difficult purchase. I will gladly share with you on your next visit, which I hope will be soon.

I am pleased to hear that your own studies are progressing. When we last met you had spoken of seeking out a very special mentor to train you. I hope you should never worry that I feel slighted or insulted that you had not come to me. You are a remarkable woman, so very gifted already in your dual caste, you would need an equally skilled and remarkable tutor to blend in your desire to join the Priestess ranks. I am very curious as to this Prince Cinerus and I hope you will share all that you have learned from him.

How wonderful for your young ward. He had very much been in my thoughts and prayers in these many months, and please pass along my many happy salutations to his very handsome father and his intended. May the Darkness bless them both with peace and happiness. I will add to my prayers and communion for our new little Brother, that he may be accepted by his own people into their Priesthood. Such a wonderful, deep child, he is truly touched by the Darkness and its blessings. It is strange that the males of Pruul are not encouraged to pursue the castes of their soul, but they are a different people and I suppose in the harsh environment of their birth, there must be reasons for this.

My dear Kesare, your generosity is beyond words. I did not mean to suggest that you should spend your precious time seeking out additional fundings for the Academy. I have continued to request additional funds from the Territory Court but I am met on all sides by the traditionalists who insist that keeping the class enrollment to the thirteen has become customary and to make changes might cheapen or lessen the importance of those who are accepted. Of course, I counter this argument with the mention that so many of those who arrive have the benefit of family or finances and thereby makes them look prefered over those who are equal in talent and unequal in social standing. However, I would not be a wise woman nor a wise administrator to turn down any assistance out of pride. I think your scholarship idea is a wonderful one, and would certainly push many students who might otherwise be unable to afford such an opportunity to be brought into the spotlight of the territory courts. Of course, any terms or requests will be accepted and I would be very blessed to count young Kurush among my future students, but I hope it won’t come to that. I know his father would be much amiss to send his son so far away.

I really like your idea about using Stewarts and council members as instructors for the Queens. Far be it for me to instruct another caste on the best way to educate one of their own, but having our Queens practice with experienced stewards will teach them well how to handle not only their own courts but how to deal with the stewards and courts of other Queens. A Queen rules due to the circumstances of her birth, but incorporating the knowledge and experience that comes from true learning will only do more to make them a much better ruler.

I am pleased to hear that you have some time to spend on visitations. I have missed your company as well and would very much love hearing about your training. I am sure he must be greatly busy but if possible, I would adore having a chance to speak to a Prince from another Territory, perhaps learn about craft taught to the males that has been neglected in Dhemlan. After all, it could only be to the benefit of all if such things were shared amongst the Blood.

And most of all, I relish the stories of Pruul you have to share. The sandstorms you have mentioned sound so fearsome, especially when comparing them to the power of the Purge. These sandworms also intrigue me, perhaps before you return you might find an account from one who has had dealings with the creature and might have a drawing of what they sound like. My imagination lends itself to the idea of giant worm like creatures with circular rows of teeth, much like a shark but the color of the sand itself so that it blends in and has a perfect predatory camouflage. Or do they dwell beneath the soil like an earthworm and surface from below like a shark to snatch its prey from the surface?

I long to hear more about your charges, especially the young Priestess. How does she fare? I hope her training has been meaningful. You had so many worries about all of these Mineborn children. Has there been much progress? I am glad to hear that the texts I have lent have helped. Please let me know if there is anything further you might require.

The hour grows late and I have been requested to attend many a Winsol festivity this season, always as a representative of the Academy, to garner my own support from the Aristo families in the hopes of more generous contributions. Unfortunately so many of them view their “contributions” as a form of prepayment for their children who are approaching the age of acceptance for the next class of attendees. There are times when the role of administrator is so draining and I long to be a simple educator again, without the weight and burden of Headmistress. It usually only lasts about a day and then I am fine again. I’m sure you can understand my feelings.

I have missed you my friend, and I am happy to hear that soon enough we will be rejoined to share some of your exotic wines and a few tales.

Kesare was tired, the burdensome walk out of Pruul, on their way to Hayll, having both focused and drained her. Yet she could no longer delay answering her friend’s letter. This time, though the stationary was fine, it was not hers, with the watermark of a flame embedded within and the sigils of her family worked into an elaborate border. It was plain, though still of high quality, and the ink was just a touch dry from a long sojourn in Pruul. She had only a brief moment to write, and send the letter off by courier, before she and Cutter would take the Winds over the next leg of their odd, leapfrogging journey.

It seemed a strange thing to her, that Gideon did not ride the Psychic Winds. Darkness willing, they would have leisure to discuss that soon.

But for now, Mena.

To Lady Filomena Belona, Headmaster, the Dhemlan Academy Fall, 191

Greetings, dear Mena.

Poetry is a lovely gift, and I very much look forward to reading DeLope’s works aloud with you. The Great War seems to have both inspired great art and consumed it. Isn’t it odd how perspectives change? We were so very young, when last war swept over our homeland.

You watched me struggle for almost a century to learn what I could of those things you comprehend instinctively. Knowing your vast duties in holding Dhemlan together, I would not have asked you to tear yourself in two by teaching me personally, but I will always turn to you for guidance. Your wisdom and gentle approach accomplish much that raw need cannot, as Kurush’s successful Birthright demonstrated.

Without you, without the Academy and Archives, we would have nothing left. You have no idea what a comfort it is to me to know you are there, protecting our people.

You well know how tightly I can cling, how blind I can become. I have come so close to the Darkness, Mena; yet I find I must embrace it through and with my other two Castes. I am still learning to both tame my instincts and surrender, neither of which come easily to me. Prince Gideon Cinnerus is a Dual Caste Warlord Prince Priest, a man out of legend and myth. This allows him to understands the way those instincts I already possess drive me. I fear I have become entangled in the fate of a Great Man, Mena, with all the heartache and risk that brings.

I have thought long and hard, on how so very many people find failure in attempting to learn a Caste. We honor even the attempt, feeling that no knowledge is wasted. I suspect that in many places, it is a combination of seeing anything save emerging from such studies with a new Caste as failure, and fear of the reverence in which a Dual Caste is held.

Though perhaps not in Pruul; their High Priestess seemed to find no respect for my age or Dual Castes, only threat to her high power.

I will always support and protect the Academy, Mena. In addition, I have set my Steward the mission of searching the Archives for how to traditionally enroll more students. I should have more answers for you soon. Indeed, you and the Academy are a soothing, reliable constant. I hope to spend more time there, soon. I am pleased that you found some of my suggestions helpful, and will do all that I can to continue to aid you. Now more than ever, we cannot loose our way.

I hope that you were able to keep a good supply of your favorite tea on hand for Midterms. Just in case, I sent you a jar of my favorite Pruulian tea. How is the weather there? I miss the seasonal changes at home. I am hoping to be home before Winsol, and hope to meet your promising young students. If I am there, feel free to conscript me to ease your burdens in seeking aid for the Academy. I’ve some ideas on how to ease your burdens in a traditional manner, but those would best be discussed in person.

There have been some astonishing changes in Pruul. Pruul is on a new path, what with the Mineborn children returning the rains once more. They say their Queen, Saiph al-Kaid, showed them the way of it. Great change like that disturbs me. There is a great burden placed upon the Mineborn, and I am troubled. They have only a few years of life above ground, precious little Craft training, no understanding of the people they are asked to guide.

I’ve many, many stories to share with you about that Territory. As to Sandworms, they live beneath the sand. It will start with only a faint trembling at your feet. By the time the sand has risen up like a tidal wave, it is too late to run. You must already be on solid rock. The Sandworms are drawn to Craft, even mild Craft use. Unless you are in the Little Citadel, Onn, or the mountains you must live as the Landen do.

Pruul is not the only place facing change; my work with the Landen in Raej over the summer went well. Yet another way to prevent war by ensuring our neighbors, near and far, eat. Some Landen even traveled from other Territories to discuss land use, drainage and soil. The Healing there was joyful; no more than checking on some twins whose lives I saved.

Now, I find myself returning to Hayll, though I’m not certain what fate awaits us there. I very much wished to stop and see you, but there is not time; we are called forth.

I agree, time has both shaped and changed us so much in these many years, thank the Darkness that we have survived to an era where the wars have ended and while everything isn’t perfect, the younglings in our care do not fear waves of invaders and conquests. If only someday we might see the dawning of an age of pure peace. Perhaps this is still a child’s dream, for we are Blood and our passions can often lead us into darker expressions.

As always your flattering words embarrass me, my dear friend. I can not claim to be such a savior of our heritage. There have been so many who have aided and perhaps have done even more than myself to keep our people and knowledge strong. I will however take great pride in my part for helping that young man reach his own peace and strength to make that vital step towards the man he will become. I only wish that his father would allow him to join us at the Academy in a few years. He has a sharp intellect and an inquisitive mind and would be a shining star here. I hope it isn’t too administrative of me to also hint at what a boon it would be for this institution to begin a program that would allow students from other Territories to join and learn from us.

I have heard tales of this Prince of whom you speak. Mostly in stories that seem more fiction than fact, but in all accounts he is both a formidable man and a passionate member of the Priesthood. For someone of Hayll, which I don’t need to tell you has always been a rival for the political powers of Dhemlan, he holds much admiration among the records. I would be most fascinated to meet him someday, speak to a Priest who seems to be favored so greatly by the Darkness. Allow me a moment of feminine curiosity my friend, for your words are weighed heavy with not only admiration of the Caste but a deep ripple of something more for the man. I hope your journeys bring you soon to my side so that we might share an woman’s evening to put aside the seriousness of our lives and indulge in idle chitchat.

I cannot begin to express my deep admiration for your dedication and strength in pursuing this calling to the Darkness. For someone already doubly blessed by Mother Night, there are few who would press themselves to seek out a further bonds to the mysteries of our people. I am certain that you will find success in your journey into the divine Darkness because I can think of no one who exemplifies the tenacity and drive to accomplish all.

I adore this tea, I am already on my second cup as I am sitting here penning this letter. I will include some marks with this letter in the hopes that perhaps you would do me the favor or procuring a steady supply through a merchant contact there in Pruul. It has been a very warm, energizing boon on the colder nights over Winsol and through the hectic schedule of the spring months. I am sorry you were unable to visit during the holidays but I understand that there is much to occupy your time and your days. Perhaps I might do something extraordinarily shocking to my staff and take some days of leave during this summer and come to Pruul to visit with you. See for myself these children that you speak so highly of and of course, spend time with you. I hope to hear word that you are well and safe in Hayll. Word has reached us of undercurrents of trouble that seem to be stirring among the populace, threads of unease. Be safe my friend, and know that if you need anything, you may always call upon me for assistance.

Since I am unsure of where you will be in Hayll, and I don’t wish this correspondence to go completely missing through the lands, I will send this back to your last known address in Pruul with the hopes that you return there soon and safe. I miss you my friend and I cannot wait to see you again.

I had so hope to see you in person, for Winsol; but there is war and rebellion raging across Hayll. I am in a place of great heartache, and equal hope. Yet I found for you a small gift, a few bottle of truly extra ordinary Hayllian wine. Ours has the more subtle flavor, I feel yet there is something grounding and potent in any Hayllian blend. I do hope these reach you before the turning of the year, though I plan to write to you again, before then.

I’ve also found some extraordinary bolts of cloths. I hope they might bring you some laughter and joy. For all I desperately wish it were not so, I fear we have no one in Dhemaln at the moment who can outstrip Hayll for shear, decadent delight in clothing. The cloth is extraordinary, and if it will not due as altar cloths or formal robes, i hope you might at least win a lovely gown for yourself out of it.

I’ve news I need to deliver in person, but here what I can say is that I have been truly blessed by Mother Night. She has answered my great Seeking. The Darkness resides out of my reach. I’ve achieved some great personal Healing, and feel more balanced and whole in soul then I have in centuries. Leaving my third Calling unfinished was a wound I dealt to myself. Yet Mother Night has granted me all that I need to be a Mind Healer in truth. I can now reach in and mend the soul, body and mind, so that the destruction the Blood wreaks upon each other need not have a Price that never ends.

My joy in this is great, if tempered by the terrible burden of purpose and focus that has descended upon me. Dhemlan and her fate haunts my dreams, my webs, my visions. I am Called home, for what I cannot say. Only that knowledge of the truth of Witch’s Purge drives me more sharply than before.

I cannot place into words, how Prince Cinnerus and I relate; not even if I were standing before you. We do not even explain each other to each other. We simply are; deeply, profoundly. I know such things are ephemeral, yet he has great faith. Not merely in each of us, but in the Darkness. I see so many patterns and possibilities. I seek his safe deliverance from the fate he has chosen.

I hope to bring him to -

The letter ended suddenly, stains upon the parchment. Blood, wine, mud. The outer envelope was wrinkled, without Kesare’s fine Calligraphy, but merely Filomena’s name upon the outside. The Hyallian merchant who delivered the wine, platters of cheese and nuts, and cloth, handed it over quiet nervously, with only a softly offered explanation that Lady Fuentes has offered for his family to shelter in Costa Ciraea until things calmed in Hayll.

I send this letter in the hopes that somehow it reaches you wherever you are. Your letter reached me and the merchant who delivered it was well received and well compensated by me for bringing me such precious news.

I will continue to send all my future correspondences to your home in Costa Ciraea in the deepest hope that you will somehow receive them and I make my prayers daily that you and your dear Gideon are safe in this most troubling time. There has been words, rumor and gossip really that has been filtering in as to some of the troubles that have been occuring in Hayll, and the state that your letter arrived in was shocking enough to cause me worry.

Your gifts are ever gracious, the wine you sent me was most delicious and I will be sure to enjoy it in the gown made from your gift of fabric as I make my offerings to the Darkness in the hope to see my friend soon safe and whole. The news of your accomplishment in joining of our Caste fills my heart with gladness. I know that it was something that you sought for many of the years that we have known each other and to have learned from a great sage and teacher is nothing less than you deserve. The fact that you stand now in the Abyss flanked by one such as him is truly a gift from the Mother. I hope that before the year turns once more I will be able to embrace you, my new Sister in Caste and always the sister of my heart.

I lack such interesting news at this moment, things continue here as they always have but the consistency is a great balm during such troubling times. I look forward to the time you have to write me again. I long to know that you are safe and doing well.